31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."

A. This is the ascetic dimension of discipleship: denying self, flesh, sin.

B. This is God’s “No” in Christ. Jesus is teaching that following Christ means

saying no to all that is not of Christ.

C. The ability to say “No” is part of the image of God in humanity. Every animal God made is bound to follow its instinct. But humans have the ability to subjugate instinct to holiness.

D. “No” is a freedom word. “No” to the flesh and to the agendas of the world

sets us free to say “Yes” to Christ.

E. This asceticism is not life-denying abuse, but life-affirming, joy-producing discipline.

F. Self-denial is the spirituality of the road. The road takes us to the mountain.

II. The Second Story: Aesthetic Spirituality- the beauty of Christ

1 And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power."

2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.

4And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"-- 6because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!"